Pasco County Commission District 3 Candidates

Those of us living in Trinity, Florida have a choice to make this election cycle for the Pasco County Commission District 3. The current County commissioner, Ann Hildebrand, has decided to retire after 28 years of public service in the district.

The position is important since a commissioner is part of the Board of County Commissioners which is the legislative and policy-making body of Pasco County.

The official County Commissioner job description says:

“The Board of County Commissioners is the legislative and policy-making body of County Government. The Board establishes policies through the enactment of ordinances and adoption of resolutions. The Board adopts the budget and makes all budget decisions with regard to appropriation of funds to county departments, divisions, and some Constitutional Officers in accordance with State Statutes.”

There are currently five board members from different districts (see Pasco County Districts Map)

There are two candidate running for District 3: Matthew Murphy (D) and Kathryn Starkey (R). We posed a question to both candidates about local Trinity, Florida issues.

“Residents in Trinity see the challenges that have affected our Nation here close to home. The corner of Little road and Trinity boulevard remains partially abandoned, the commercial area created from the closed local airport remains mostly undeveloped, a local park (promised and paid for) still remains unapproved, and certain housing communities found out during TS Debby that their homes and community will be completely flooded during heavy rain storms. Knowing that there are challenges and opportunities for Trinity, if elected, what are your plans to help with these issues?”

Matt Murphy’s (D) Response

Kathryn Starkey’s (R) Response

Pasco County has been hardest hit by this down economy partly because of county focusing on housing and being a “bedroom community” for Pinellas and Hillsborough for the past 20 years. This is why we have so many started and abandoned projects in Trinity and other areas because of our one industry economy.

My goal is to focus on bringing new business’s, manufacturing and industry to Pasco while making sure we continue to take care of our existing businesses and help them grow. We do this by continuing incentives, expanding Micro loan programs and staying focused on diversifying our economic base.One area that I am working on to help in luring business to Pasco is by working with Venture capital groups to expand our presence in the Tampa Bay area.

These groups have a unique pool of clients that come to them when they want to start up or expand their business. They can benefit from what Pasco has to offer who the county would not normally have access to. I feel they can be very effective in promoting Pasco and our goal to diversifying our economy.

As the economy continues to get back on its feet, in combination with what I have stated above, I feel we will be able to fill up the empty commercial spaces that are out there in the Trinity area. This will be my focus. We absolutely need to get approved the local park that was promised. If the county makes a promise we need to stand by it and work to get it done. I will make sure we make good on our promises.

The flooding issues that we have been having in thousand Oaks and other areas in Trinity could have
been prevented. We need to make sure that before we are approving developments that we have
adequate oversight looking at them.

Thousand Oaks in particular is an example of poor design and was approved without oversight of the developer and government agencies. The county sued the developer and settled for pennies on the dollar of what it will cost to fix the flooding problem there. It will cost the taxpayers of Pasco millions of dollars.

This same developer is supporting my opponent. I will make sure that we have the proper oversight and correct these problems before we approve them to be built and hold responsible parties for these problems accountable. I will also make it a priority to get the flooding problem resolved so the residents affected do not have to worry every time it rains.

Trinity Town Center
The corner is private property and other then keep the owner responsible for code violations and public safety there may not be much government can do. It is possible a new developer may come in and finish it when market conditions improve. I would meet with the developer and try to see what his plans are. Perhaps we can help him market it to new buyers.

Flooding
The county is meeting with home owners and developing plans to improve the flow of runoff in the area. County staff and Swfwmd will present solutions to the board soon. This is a high priority for the board and me. I have attended home owner meetings and talked to the head of Swfwmd already.

The Airport
The new mobility fee will help the owners of the former airport property market it better. There are some new businesses under construction or planned to begin soon. The county has a reputation for being difficult to deal with so I hope to improve the process and make us competitive with surrounding areas.

The Park
The park is long overdue and dialogue continues between the county, the developers and homeowners to resolve differences so that the residents of Trinity can enjoy their park. I have long been an advocate for parks and thoroughly understand that West Pasco is long overdue for a district or regional park.

As your commissioner I will work hard to ensure that district three residents and all of Pasco enjoy the highest quality of life possible.

County Commission District 3